Bicyclist dies after collision with PT Cruiser

The family of a 37-year-old bicyclist who died from injuries after colliding with a compact sport utility vehicle on Tuesday is remembering him as a man who made them laugh.

Laura Bethel said her son, Bryce Douglas Caudell, like to do “stupid things” that “made us laugh,” like the time he painted his fingernails and was kicked out school. That led Caudell to wear skirts to school for two weeks.

“He was a wonderful son, who called his mother everyday to make sure she was OK,” Bethel said Wednesday. “I’m kind of jealous he got to see Jesus before I did, but my faith in God will get me through.”

Bethel said she does not blame the woman whose vehicle was involved because “it’s not her fault.”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” she said. “It was just an accident.”

A state police spokesman said it is believed Caudell was crossing Grand River Avenue around 7 p.m. Tuesday when he struck the front end of a 2010 PT Cruiser east of Euler Road and Genoa Business Park, and near the Brighton Village mobile home park.

The Cruiser driver, identified as a 56-year-old Brighton woman, told troopers that she was driving west on Grand River Avenue when the bicyclist “came out of nowhere” and struck her SUV, the spokesman said.

When troopers arrived on scene, Livingston County paramedics were attending to Caudell, who died at the scene.

One witness confirmed Caudell "appeared out of nowhere" as he attempted to cross the road perpendicular to oncoming traffic during "dark and rainy conditions," police said.

Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors, but remain unknown pending an autopsy and toxicology results.

A family friend has started a GoFundMe account to help pay for funeral and other related expenses, as Caudell did not have life insurance.

In addition to his mother, Caudill is survived by his 7-year-old daughter and younger brother. He will be cremated, and the family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Michigan State Police said Warren resident Bryce Caudell, 37, died from injuries he suffered when his bicycle struck a 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser around 7 p.m. Tuesday on Grand River Avenue, east of Euler Road and Genoa Business Park.(Photo11: Gillis Benedict/Michigan.com)